Oral Care Tips for Frequent Flyers and Travelers

When you are traveling with your friends and family, oral hygiene is not really on the list of your priorities. It is easy to overlook your dental health when you are having fun and excited about the trip. However, frequent travelers face certain unique issues that can severely affect their oral health. This includes changes in diet, skipping brushing, unexpected dental problems, etc. 

Traveling also brings one to new environments, foods, and routines, all of which directly or indirectly, affect your oral health. Given the risks, it is wise to be prepared before your trip. For example, packing a travel-friendly dental kit and following your dental hygiene routine everywhere you go, regardless of how busy your schedule may be. 

It is easy to neglect dental health issues, like cavities, bad breath, or gum disease, when you are traveling. However, the longer you ignore them, the worse they are going to get. To keep your dental health in check, visit your dentist in Concord, NC, before your trip. A quick check can ensure a peaceful trip without any bad surprises. 

Oral care tips for frequent flyers and travelers 

• Pack your essentials for travel oral care. 

If you want to maintain good oral hygiene on the road, you must pack a travel-friendly dental care kit. This includes the following items:

• A travel-sized toothbrush with a protective case.
• Travel-size toothpaste. 
• Floss to remove food particles from between your teeth. 
• A small bottle of mouthwash for freshening your breath. 
• Chewable toothpaste tablets to maintain oral health on the go. 

• Drink plenty of water. 

Staying hydrated is something that people often miss during traveling. Air travel can cause you to become dehydrated, which leads to dry mouth, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Drinking plenty of water throughout your journey helps keep your mouth moist and reduces the risk of cavities. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever possible. 

• Pay attention to your diet. 

Regardless of how strict your diet might be, traveling can make people cheat on their diets. You may want to indulge in items that are not very good for your dental health. This includes sugary snacks, especially during layovers or road trips. Too much sugar can hurt your oral health, especially when you do not always have the option to brush your teeth. 

Instead, try to incorporate these items into your diet:

• Fruits and vegetables, as they naturally clean your teeth.
• Nuts, as they are a healthy and tooth-friendly option.
• Water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth. 

• Maintain your oral hygiene routine. 

You may think that it is okay to get off your routine since you are on vacation. However, that can cost you and even potentially ruin your trip. Try to stick to your routine of brushing twice a day and flossing every day before bed to ensure your mouth is not a breeding ground for bacteria. If you tend to forget, setting reminders on your phone can help. 

• Chew sugar-free gum. 

Chewing sugar-free gum is a good alternative when you do not have the option to brush your teeth. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in your mouth and wash away food particles. However, make sure to check the pack and buy sugar-free gum only. 

• Prepare for dental emergencies. 

Just because you are on vacation, that does not mean you cannot get into a dental emergency. Make sure that you carry pain relief medicines in case you suffer from a toothache. Also, research about local dentists so that you can go for a check-up if you need to. 

Don’t neglect your oral health on vacation!

It is easy to forget about your priorities and duties when you are out having fun with your friends and family. However, dental health is not something to take lightly. Visit a dentist before your trip!